Marin Sonoma Impact Ventures (MSIV) is a Corte Madera, California-based venture capital firm and the North Bay's first regional venture fund. Founded by Zachary Kushel in 2021, MSIV backs local entrepreneurs and startups in Marin and Sonoma counties as part of an “Invest Local” movement aimed at driving regional economic development and job creation.
MSIV backs early-stage startups founded or based in Marin and Sonoma counties, investing across a range of sectors including AI, fintech, healthcare, cybersecurity, climate, and agtech rather than a single vertical.
The firm invests primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages, with a thesis centered on jumpstarting local economic development and high-paying job creation north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
MSIV closed Fund II at over $11 million, five years after the initial close of Fund I.
The fund drew 60 limited partners, with 98 percent of its capital coming from Marin or Sonoma residents or institutions, and a majority of Fund I's largest LPs reinvested.
The Redwood Credit Union Community Fund committed $1 million to Fund II.
Across both funds, MSIV has backed 22 Marin and Sonoma startups and deployed more than $8.6 million, with Fund I fully deployed across 13 investments and Fund II having completed nine, including Gable, Lighthouse Pharmaceuticals, Lumo, OLarry, Skribe Medical, and Your360 AI.
Leadership
MSIV was founded by Zachary Kushel, who serves as Founder and Managing Partner. The firm's advisory team includes Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union, along with other local advisors.
Investment Strategy
MSIV takes a locally rooted approach, drawing the large majority of its limited partner base from Marin and Sonoma residents and institutions and investing that capital back into local, high-growth startups across a diversified set of sectors.
Notable Investments
United States
